A Mystery for the Earl by Joyce Alec

Author:Joyce Alec [Alec, Joyce]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-10T00:00:00+00:00

8

“So, it appears there is only one thing left for us to consider.”

Catherine sighed heavily as she looked at the other Shadows, fully aware that everything that had been said was undoubtably true. It was, unfortunately, also something that she herself had come to realize, ever since she had finished her discussions with Lord Nottingham.

No one seemed to notice that Lord Rutherford was absent from society. Lord Nottingham had cared very little and Lord Chesterton, from what had just been expressed, had struggled to even recall Lord Rutherford’s name. And even if they were aware of it, they thought nothing of it, other than to think that he was enjoying a short respite before what would be his inevitable return. Thus, with both Lord Nottingham and Lord Chesterton having very little to say on the matter of Lord Rutherford’s absence, there was not much else for them to follow.

“Lord Chesterton has nothing but a small acquaintance with Lord Rutherford,” Lady Bentham said with a small shrug. “We can find no other connection to Lord Rutherford and Lord Chesterton admitted that he had not even noticed that the gentleman has been absent.”

Catherine let out another sigh and then nodded. “Then we shall have to bring Rutherford back into society.”

Her chest felt tight as she spoke those words, as though they were the very epitome of what she did not want to do. The other Shadows were all nodding slowly or exchanging glances, perhaps in the hope that there was another way forward, but from Catherine’s perspective, there was nothing else for it.

“If no one has noticed his absence, then mayhap the person responsible for what occurred now believes him to be dead,” she continued quietly. “What other choice do we have?”

The ladies turned as one to look at Lord Rutherford, who was now sitting with his head in his hands, his elbows on his knees. A slow flush crept into Catherine’s face as she looked at him, remembering how he had knocked into her last night when she had been attempting to visit him to tell him what Lord Nottingham had said. The way he had spoken to her, accompanied by his demeanor, had surprised her. Yes, there had been moments when she had seen him as she knew him, with his arrogant words and selfishness, but in between these moments, there had been signs of change. When he had apologized, she had believed him without question. When she had spoken to him sharply, he had not argued back with her. Rather, he had merely accepted her words and lowered his eyes to the floor, as though he had no defense.

“We might ask you, I suppose, Lord Rutherford, whether or not there is anyone that you might consider?” Lady Haddington asked, her tone not particularly gentle. “Is there a gentleman whom you have wronged? An acquaintance who is no longer pleased with your friendship?” She arched one eyebrow and Catherine smiled at Lady Haddington’s cool expression. She, no doubt, knew full well what Lord Rutherford’s answer would be, just as Catherine did.

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